No return date for Hafner set

Travis Hafner remains uncertain of when he’ll be able to return to the field.

The Cleveland Indians designated hitter will begin testing his surgically repaired right knee this week. He has had soft-toss hitting sessions, but nothing beyond that.

He told the Indians website he’s not sure when he’ll return. Early estimates pointed towards an early July return, but it could extend pass the All-Star break.

“I don’t really know at this point,” said Hafner, referring to his possible return date. “But everything is going really well, so hopefully I can be on the short end of that.”

Through 39 games this season, Hafner is hitting .242 with six home runs, six doubles and 23 RBIs. After hitting .357 with a 1.081 OPS over his first 12 games of the season, Hafner posted a .189 average with a .693 OPS over his next 27 games prior to the injury.

Hafner is not sure how or why the injury occurred.

“I’d never felt that before,” Hafner said. “I really don’t know. I mean, the knee was really fine and just kind of that day during the game (on May 23) it got really sore running. I don’t know the cause of it.”

— Sun Staff

Tags: sports, baseball, mlb